Progressive Taxation

Progressive taxation is good for Canada

It’s time to rethink the tax cut agenda and invest
in the things that matter

Gary’s story

Progressive taxation means that those who pocket way more than the rest of us should have to contribute more—so that we can invest in public programs and supports that benefit everyone, like universal health care.

“The hardest thing is seeing people who should be healthy but aren’t. And the only reason they aren’t is because they live in poverty,” said Dr. Gary Bloch.

His practice runs out of St. Michael’s Hospital and includes some of Canada’s poorest residents.

“There’s one young guy who has a knee problem. But so many other poverty-related problems are compounding the issue—he might actually lose his leg. And it shouldn’t be that way.”

What’s the solution?

Dr. Bloch thinks progressive taxation is a big part of it. That’s been a key element of Canada’s social bargain since the Second World War. It helped build the middle class in Canada, and it allowed us to create public programs that are Good For Canada.

He believes that those who do very well have a responsibility to contribute more for the good of Canada.

“Tax me more,” said Dr. Bloch.

“It’s a good investment. It’s in my interest to contribute to something that lets me live in a happier, safer, healthier community.”

Kristyn’s story

When she was a small child, Kristyn’s family came to Canada from Hong Kong in search of affordable housing. She grew up in Toronto’s Regent Park, raised by parents who worked hard and hoped that their children would have better lives.

She believes in an inclusive Canada, where those who come from distant lands and people of all races, genders, and income level can find success and happiness.

But too many people are being left behind. They can’t afford the daycare they need in order to work. And good jobs have gone away, replaced by lower paying precarious work.

Kristyn is prepared to pay more to live in a Canada where everyone has a shot. She knows that if we don’t, we will leave behind an entire generation and set Canada up for economic ruin down the line.

Kristyn says paying a little bit more now is worth it for a better country.

Our health and well-being are interconnected: with more prosperity for those on the lower end of the economic scale, we all fare better in the long run.

And that’s the country her parents gave up everything to give to their children.

Gary’s Story

“The hardest thing is seeing people who should be healthy but aren’t. And the only reason they aren’t is because they live in poverty,” said Dr. Gary Bloch.

His practice runs out of St. Michael’s hospital and includes some of Canada’s poorest residents.

“There’s one young guy who has a knee problem. But so many other poverty-related problems are compounding the issue – he might actually lose his leg. And it shouldn’t be that way.”

What’s the solution?

Dr. Bloch thinks progressive taxation is a big part of it. Progressive taxation means that those who pocket way more than the rest of us should have to contribute more too.

That’s been part of Canada’s social bargain since the Second World War. It helped build the middle class in Canada, and create public programs that are Good For Canada.

“Tax me more,” said Dr. Bloch.

He believes that those who do very well have a responsibility to contribute more for the good of Canada.

“It’s a good investment,” he said. It’s in my interest to contribute to something that lets me live in a happier, safer, healthier community.”

Kristyn’s Story

Kristyn’s family came to Canada from Hong Kong in search of affordable housing when she was a small child. She grew up in Toronto’s Regent Park to parents who worked hard and hoped that their children would have better lives.

She believes in an inclusive Canada, where those who come from distant lands and people of all races, genders, and income level can find success and happiness.

But too many people are being left behind. They can’t afford the daycare they need in order to work and good jobs have gone away, replaced by lower paying precarious work.

Kristyn is prepared to pay more to live in a Canada where everyone has a shot. She knows that if we don’t, we will leave behind an entire generation and set Canada up for economic ruin down the line.

Kristyn feels paying a little bit more now is worth it for a better country.

Everyone is connected to the health and well-being of everyone else. With more prosperity for those on the lower end of the economic scale, we all fare better in the long run.

And that’s the country her parents gave up everything to give to their children.